Duration

5-6 lessons

Focus

Exploring varied sound sources of the four families of instruments within the western symphony orchestra.

Overview

Students will explore the instruments of the orchestra through a Prezi containing a series of videos. They will develop deep knowledge of the instruments, their families, expressive techniques and the role of a professional musician.

Content

The four families of the western symphony orchestra are:

• strings
• woodwinds
• brass
• percussion.

The Orchestra Sway and accompanying prompt sheet (PDF 4.28MB) will assist in the introduction of the orchestra families and their sound sources for Stage 4 students.

Assessment

All activities require students to demonstrate their learning and are all assessment for learning activities.

Teaching and learning activities

Students will:

• observe the Sway The Orchestra
  • Refer to the accompanying prompt sheet (PDF 4.28MB) for assistance.

• discuss the layout of the families. Ask students:
  • Who do you think sits in each colour?
  • Why do you think they are that size?
  • Why do you think they sit in that position?
    • The layout of the orchestra (PDF 4.38MB) worksheet can assist with this.
• observe and discuss:
  • the roles and responsibilities of the conductor
  • the roles and responsibilities of professional musicians
  • the instruments of the string family, including associated expressive techniques-
    • pizzicato (featured in the first violin sway video)
    • arco (featured in the first violin sway video)
    • vibrato (featured in the first violin sway video)
    • glissando (featured in second cello sway video).
    • the instruments of the woodwind family
    • the instruments of the brass family
    • the instruments of the percussion family.

Literacy and numeracy

Students will:

• learn the names of the instruments of each orchestral family
• learn the metalanguage associated with expressive techniques on string instruments.

Differentiation

Extension

Students could:

• investigate and explore how orchestras and their layouts have changed over the centuries
• investigate and explore the expressive techniques possible on woodwind and brass instruments

Students could:

• complete a mind map of the instrument families and members of the families:
  • strings
    • violin
    • viola
    • cello
    • double Bass
    • harp and piano are visitors - not regular members
  • woodwinds
    • flute and piccolo
    • oboe
    • clarinet
    • bassoon
  • brass
    • trumpet
    • french horn
    • trombone
    • tuba
  • percussion
    • timpani
    • castanets, triangle, snare drum, bass drum, gong, chimes, xylophone (to name a few)
• read through the information sheet in the resource section on the layout of the orchestra (PDF 4.38MB). Turn it into a cloze passage if desired.
• watch the YouTube clip on The Vegetable Orchestra Literally Plays with Their Food (00:02:45) discuss, and make instruments.

Evaluate

Formative feedback - students will contribute to class discussion

Summative feedback - create an account and sign in to Kahoot!. Students will participate in a Kahoot! about the instruments of the orchestra.

Reference list and resources

• Music 7-10 Syllabus copyright NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2003.
• The Orchestra swayExternal link and accompanying prompt sheet (PDF 4.28MB)
• The layout of the orchestra (PDF 4.38MB)
• The Vegetable Orchestra Literally Plays with Their Food (02:45)
• Instruments of the Orchestra Kahoot!